What is Onda lifting and how does it work?
Onda lifting is a non-surgical treatment that uses 2.45 GHz microwaves (Coolwaves) from the Italian manufacturer DEKA.
Understanding Lifting · Q11
Understanding Lifting · Q10
Thermage FLX: Monopolar Radiofrequency (RF) Lifting Device
Question: What is Thermage FLX and how does it work?
Short answer
Thermage FLX is a monopolar radiofrequency (RF) device from Solta Medical, and the manufacturer explains that it is designed to deliver RF energy to the skin to help with collagen remodeling. The manufacturer explains that after one treatment, improvement occurs over 2 to 6 months and may last 1 to 2 years, but results depend on skin condition. Mild to moderate pain during treatment and redness and swelling afterwards are common, and burns or blisters are rarely reported.
Key points
- A monopolar radiofrequency device from Solta Medical
- Integrated cooling and vibration; energy adjusts to skin condition
- Manufacturer: improvement over 2 to 6 months, may last 1 to 2 years
- Redness usually fades within 24 hours, swelling usually within 5 days
- Not for people with implanted electrical devices
How does Thermage FLX work?
Thermage FLX is a monopolar radiofrequency device that delivers radiofrequency (RF) energy to the skin through a handpiece.
The manufacturer explains that the handpiece integrates cooling and vibration, that energy delivery is continuously adjusted according to skin condition, and that it is designed to help with collagen remodeling. The manufacturer is Solta Medical, part of Bausch Health (as of 2026).
Radiofrequency is a non-ablative technology that uses electrical current rather than light. A review concluded that non-ablative radiofrequency is well tolerated, that its effects tend to be modest, and that it is not an equivalent substitute for surgery.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Energy type | Monopolar radiofrequency (RF) |
| Manufacturer | Solta Medical (as of 2026) |
| FDA | 510(k) clearance K170758 (2017-09-22) |
| MFDS (Korea) | Import approval 18-245, general-purpose electrosurgical unit, Class 3 (2018-08-21) |
| Onset of results (manufacturer) | Improvement over 2 to 6 months |
| Duration (manufacturer) | May last 1 to 2 years, varies by person |
What is its approval status?
Thermage FLX received US FDA 510(k) clearance (K170758) on September 22, 2017, and MFDS approval in Korea on August 21, 2018.
The radiofrequency-only indications in the FDA 510(k) clearance include non-invasive treatment of periorbital wrinkles, including the upper and lower eyelids, and non-invasive treatment of wrinkles.
In Korea, the approval number is import approval 18-245, the product name is 'general-purpose electrosurgical unit', Class 3, and the importer is Solta Medical Korea (as of 2026, subject to change).
What does the treatment feel like?
The manufacturer explains that you feel brief heat when the tip touches the skin, followed by a cooling sensation that protects the skin and reduces discomfort.
According to the manufacturer's safety information, the most common reaction during treatment is mild to moderate pain, and how much it is felt differs from person to person.
CELITA Clinic does not routinely offer sedation, and applying numbing cream is considered depending on the type of treatment. If you are worried about pain, it is a good idea to mention it in advance during the consultation.
When do results appear and how long do they last?
The manufacturer explains that some people feel immediate tightening after one treatment, followed by improvement over 2 to 6 months.
The manufacturer explains that effects may last 1 to 2 years depending on skin condition and the aging process. The degree and duration of results vary from person to person.
A survey of 52 doctors in Korea who use Thermage FLX reported that the interval between treatments was mostly 1 year.
What are the side effects and recovery period?
Common reactions after treatment are redness and swelling; redness usually settles within 24 hours and swelling usually within 5 days, but it can last up to several weeks.
The manufacturer describes downtime as minimal but notes that some people have temporary redness and swelling, and recovery varies from person to person.
Rarely reported effects include burns, blisters and scabs, scarring, surface irregularities appearing more than 1 month after treatment, numbness, tingling or temporary paralysis lasting up to several weeks, lumps under the skin mainly in the neck area, and darkening of the skin. If you have any of these symptoms, it is a good idea to contact the clinic.
FAQ
Are there cases where Thermage FLX should not be used?
The manufacturer advises against treatment if you have an implanted electrical device such as a pacemaker, cardioverter or defibrillator. It states that treatment over fillers, during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and in people with diabetes, autoimmune disease, herpes, epilepsy, or tattoos or cosmetic tattooing in the area has not been studied, so let the clinic know during the consultation.
How does it compare with Ulthera?
The difference in principle is that Ulthera focuses ultrasound on a point at a set depth, while Thermage delivers radiofrequency energy to the skin. One comparative study reported that both improved facial and neck laxity, with no statistically significant difference in adverse reactions.
What should I be careful about in daily life after treatment?
CELITA Clinic's general aftercare advice is to avoid alcohol, smoking, saunas, swimming and strenuous exercise for 1 week and not to rub the treated area. Gentle face washing and makeup are possible after 2 to 3 hours.
Important
This article is general medical information, not a diagnosis or treatment. Results, recovery time and side effects vary with each person's skin, and whether a treatment suits you is decided after consultation with a doctor. If you notice unusual symptoms, contact the clinic that treated you right away.
Sources
All questions in Understanding Lifting
- Q8. How does HIFU (ultrasound) lifting work?
- Q9. What is Ultherapy PRIME and how does it work?
- Q10. What is Thermage FLX and how does it work?
- Q11. What is Onda lifting and how does it work?
- Q12. What is Shurink Universe and how does it work?
- Q13. How is the number of shots for a lifting treatment decided?
- Q14. Does a lifting treatment hurt a lot, and how is numbing done?
- Q15. When do lifting results appear and how long do they last?
- Q16. How is a thread lift different from device-based lifting?